Argentina joins on a season's loan with a view to a £9 million permanent move
next summer while Sebastian Coates also arrives

Sunderland made up for the disappointment of missing out on long term transfer target Fabio Borini with the signing of Argentina international Ricky Alvarez from Inter Milan.

Alvarez has joined on a season’s loan after Borini once again refused to consider a return to Wearside, despite the two clubs agreeing a fee of £14m for him almost two months ago.

Sunderland had remained interested in a loan deal right up until deadline day, but the Italian once again refused to consider re-joining the Black Cats, even on a temporary basis.

Sunderland have agreed an option to buy Alvarez for £9m if he is a success at the Stadium of Light and the 26-year-old looks like a good addition to a squad that was involved in yet another relegation battle last term.

Poyet also managed to bring in the centre-back he wanted in the shape of Liverpool’s Sebastian Coates, who, unlike Borini, was willing to move to the North-East on loan.

Sunderland were close to finalising a deal for Manchester City’s former England international Micah Richards, but Poyet decided he would rather have fellow Uruguayan Coates.

The 23-year-old’s career is in need of a re-launch after falling out of favour under Brendan Rodgers at Anfield, although he did play for Uruguay at the World Cup in Brazil, his last appearance coming against England in the Group Stage